September 23rd is Saudi National Day!

On September 23, 2020, Saudi Arabia celebrates its 90th birthday!  For many years there were only two official holidays here in Saudi Arabia - and both of them were religion based.  It was only a few short years ago when September 23rd was officially recognized in the Kingdom as Saudi Arabian National Day, as it was on this day in 1932 when the country was unified by King Abdulaziz.  Think of it as the 4th of July of Saudi Arabia.  

The unification means that all the nomadic tribes  and regions finally stopped fighting with each other and came together under one umbrella - the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  With each passing year that I have spent here, National Day has of course become more commercialized and with more and more festivities.  

Since the Saudi flag is green and white, these colors are seen everywhere in decorations, clothing, accessories, and foods. There are usually big fireworks displays in cities across the country, but I'm not sure if that will the case this year because of the virus.  Shops are decorated with balloons, flags, and streamers - and many businesses offer big sales.